Lubricator for cylinders of air-compressors



(No Model.)

R. F. GRIGSBY. LUBRIGA'IOR FOR CYLINDERS OF AIR GQMPRESSORS. No. 243,773. Patented July 5,1881.

n. PETERS. Phulolnnognphor. wimp. n.c.

UNITED- STATES.

PATENT. OFFIC ROBERT F. GRIGSBY, or ROSARIO, MEXICO.

LUBRICATOR FOR CYLINDERS'OF AIR-COMPRESSORS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 243,773, dated July 5, 1881.

Application filed February 21,1881. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, R. F. GRIGSBY, of R0- sario, Mexico, have invented an Improvement in Lubricating the Cylinders of Air Oompressors; and I hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description thereof.

My method relates to a novel method of lubricating the working parts within the cylinders of air-compressors.

It consists in the application and arrange ment of a series of pipes, by which the circulation is effected, and a tank where the lubricant is placed, which receives the waste from the cylinders, and from which the lubricant is pumped into the air-receiving tank to be forced to the cylinders, or directly to the cylinders, as will be more fully explained by reference to the accompanying drawing, in which the figure is a view of anappara'tus arranged to lubricate air-compressing cylinders according to my invention.

A A are the condensing-cylinders of an aircompressor, which are shown in the present case as driven' by a vertical engine, of which B is the cylinder, 0 the crank-shaft, and D the fly-wheel.

E is a receiver into which the compressed air is forced, having the usual pressure-gage connected with it.

E is a tank into which condensed or pure water is led in sufficient quantity, this being easily supplied from the engine. With this water I mix oil. Carbonate of soda and borax, or other suitable substances which will form a lubricant and preserve the cylinders from oxidation, may be added. The proportions used may be varied; but I have found the following to be very effective: water, nine hundred parts, by measure; oil, ninety-four parts; carbonate of soda, five parts, and borax, one part. The above named proportions may be varied without detriment to the working. Condensed water and oil alone works very satisfactorily. In order to introduce the lubricant, I either employ a pump and pipes, by which it can be forced directly into the cylinders, or it may be pumped into the lower part of the receiving-tank E and distributed to the cylinders by the pressure of the air.

G is a pipe leading from the tank F to the pump H, which is operated from the engineshaft, as shown.

I is a pipe leading from the pump to the lower part of the receiver E, into which the lubricant is discharged.

J is a gage which shows when sufficient lubricant has been pumped into the tank,- after which the pump may be stopped and a valve, K, in the pipe opened, so as to allow the lubricant to flow through the pipe L to the cylinders A, the pressure in the tank being sufficient for that purpose.

M M are pipes leading from the cylinders hack to the tank F, so that any leakage or waste from the cylinders will be conveyed back to be used again. Another pipe, N, leads directly from the air-receiver to the tank F, so that the lubricant in the receiver can he returned to the tank at any time to use in starting the machine.

It will be manifest that,-if desired, the lubricant could be pumped directly from the tank F to the air-cylinders; but it will be an economy of power to pump it into the air-receiver in sufficient quantity and utilize the air-pressure to keep the cylinders supplied.

1 have found the compound here described .to be very efficient, keeping the cylinders perfectly lubricated and with a high polish upon them, and the interior never becomes oxidized. Condensed or pure water with about ten per cent. of oil only gives good results, the water and oil being, as it were, ground together by the constant motion, and producing a mixture of a milky appearance,-with which the interiors of the cylinders are kept slushed all the time. By thus mixing the wastage is very small, being only what is due to evaporation.

I do not claim, broadly, the forcing of a liquid or lubricant into a cylinder by the pressure from said cylinder, nor do I claim the forcing of a lubricant into shaft bearings by means of a pump.

.Having thus described my invention, what Iclaim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,is-

1. In an air-compressor, the cylinders A and their pistons, valves, and operating-cranks,

the tank F, all constructed, arranged, and op- 10 erated as described.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

ROBERT mums GRIGSBY. [1,. s.]

Witnesses:

GEO. E. KELLY, L. GUZMAN. 

